Self-Esteem Influences All Areas of Your Life
I find it interesting — yet sad — that many women and girls I work with in my counseling sessions have an expectation that their self-esteem should be higher; and if it is not, then they feel shame (a silent emotional killer for women and girls). In our culture we have created an unrealistic standard for women – that we should be super woman and overly confident, and to admit ‘less than’ is often seen as failure.
Failure? Failure is such a harsh word and yet it is one that women and girls often embrace too quickly. Allowing negative, false labels to stick to you is one way to send your self-esteem spiraling downward.
Low self-esteem could mean that you have experienced (perceived or real) an emotionally traumatic situation, relationship or childhood. There are many possible causes of low self-esteem. You are a member of the human race, after all, and on your own path.
It’s time to spread the message that it’s okay to embrace and admit that your self-esteem is not where you would like it to be.
Thankfully it is now widely accepted that having good physical health is important and should be actively pursued. Yet why don’t we have the same expectation for emotional health?
For example, why is the negative stigma about counseling still hanging around? You know the one I’m talking about “If you go to counseling then there must be something wrong with you”. Even if you don’t feel this way, chances are that someone you are close to does.
Counseling is an opportunity to pursue a greater understanding of your emotional self and your relationships. Isn’t that a good thing? Of course it is!
So how do you create healthy self-esteem? I can tell you what doesn’t work — ignoring or denying the issue. Denial never solves anything! It’s best to dive in. Do some research. Go see a counselor. Talk to your trusted friends. Just don’t keep it a secret to fester and magnify.
See, self-esteem influences all areas of your life. For women this means your marriage, your family and your work. For girls this means your choices in friends, activities and academic performance.
Healthy self-esteem is an essential component of emotional well-being. Emotional well-being is what we should all strive for.
Our lives are more likely to flourish if we have a healthy emotional life… and self-esteem is an indicator of our emotional health.
Sharing your healthy self-esteem with others is a wonderful gift to give them and the world.
If you would like more information on how to create healthy self-esteem or if you would like to work with me as your personal coach, please contact me via email or phone 703.505.2413. I am here to help!
Licensed counselor and founder of Girls Stand Strong Michelle Kelley, LCSW, helps girls and women of all ages develop and improve their self-image, self-esteem, relationship and communication skills, emotional understanding, coping skills, the ability to handle difficult situations and people, and resiliency to create a brighter, better and more successful tomorrow. For more information about Michelle’s coaching and counseling services, call (703) 505-2413 or email michelle@girlsstandstrong.com.
